An amazing time at Mazagan in Morocco

Morjana offers traditional Moroccon cuisine (Image: Archant)

Five years ago a vision by HRH Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, came to life in the form of Mazagan in El Jadida situated 90km from Casablanca.

The $370million award-winning beach and golf resort is at the top-end of the holiday market and aims to become one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the country.

With an 18-hole course designed by the internationally renowned player Gary Player, it comes as no surprise that Mazagan’s is popular with golfers.

Stretching, three kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean, the Par 72 course is not for the fainted-hearted.

It’s also incredibly environmentally-friendly with 80 per cent of the water used for the course is recycled from the hotel.

But if like me, the last time you held anything remotely similar to a club was when you played hockey at school then the resort has a Nike golf academy to help you along the way.

Mazagan's 18-hole golf resort is designed by Gary Player (Image: PHILIPPE MILLEREAU)

The academy is one of the first dedicated to the sport in the world.

So I take a swing and it is analysed using the latest video technology. Within 20 minutes there was a noticeable improvement thanks to my patient instructor.

Ok I didn’t have the best swing in the world and no I won’t be competing in the Ryder Club next year but I finally realised why golf is so popular.

It’s fiercely competitive and more importantly it is fun.

Following a day of golfing you can enjoy a much needed massage to sooth away any aches and pains at the resort’s spa.

I enjoyed an hour full body massage using luxurious Moroccan oils.

It was so relaxing I fell asleep!

There is also a fitness centre on the resort where you can even hire a personal trainer during your stay.

There are so many activities on offer at Mazagan so I jumped at the chance to go horse-ridding along the beach at the Atlantic Ocean.

Accompanied with an instructor I highly recommend a gentle canter along the beach.

It’s a great way to see the resort in its entirety.

With six restaurants and a French patisserie on site, Mazagan caters for all palates.

If you are a great fish lover that Se De Mer is a must.

Here diners can select their chosen fish of choice, all caught that morning, then it is weighed to determine the cost and cooked using a method of your choice.

The portions are very generous!!

Of if you wish to enjoy Moroccan cuisine, accompanied with belly dancers, the resort’s Morjan restaurant and lounge is the place of choice.

The resort also has a casino on site, the largest in north Africa, and a nightclub (Alias) if you wish to dance the night away.

There are also activities on offer for younger guests: Kidz Club for children age between four and 11 and Club Rich for young people age between 12 and 17.

Both are open from 9am – 6pm and include a private swimming pool.

While Mazagan has many activities to keep you busy, occupied or relaxed I decided to visit El Jadida, the nearest town to see a bit more of the area.

It was a real cultural awakening with crumbled buildings steeped in history and not a tourist in sight.

Here I witnessed locals making a living my selling fresh fish caught that morning in wheel barrows or brightly coloured citrus fruits.

I couldn’t resist buying a handmade scarf made at a loom set up in one seller’s home.

Five miles further is a bustling street market in Azzemour where bottles of argan oil can be bought for just £2 (around £15 in the UK) and leather goods including hand-made bags start from just £3.

Having thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Mazagan it was easy to see why it has won a string of awards including the Word Luxury Spa Award 2012 and Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellence 2013.

Watch out Marrakesh and Agadir, Mazagan is going to snatch your crown as Morocco’s top tourist destination.